Greece Sailing Info

Frequently Asked Questions about chartering a sailboat in Greece

Why Greece? One of the reason Greece is popular is because it is somehow familiar while at the same time exotic. Whether this familiarity comes from studying the ancient Greeks in school or something deeper or more spiritual… Considering our guests reviews they have always had an attraction to Greece and once they had visited felt they somehow belonged there. Places were as familiar as if they had once been home. It was a homecoming for all those visiting the place that has much to do with who we are today.

What is the difference between a bareboat charter and a charter with skipper? A bareboat yacht is a yacht that is chartered without a professional skipper. If you have experience and are qualified to sail a yacht then you can charter it without a skipper – bareboat. If you are not qualified to sail a yacht then you will charter the boat and hire a skipper to be the captain. With a bareboat yacht you can decide your own itinerary and the only people on it will be from your party.

How do I choose a bareboat yacht that will accommodate me? If you contact us with an inquiry for list of yachts and note the dates (Saturday – Saturday), how many cabins you need, how many bathrooms, from which area/port, which boat builder if you prefer one, newer/older, budget – you will get an offer with list of the suitable yacht and you will be able to compare the cost of the yacht, size, number of heads (bathrooms), number of cabins and if you click on the name of the yacht you will be able to see a photo and a chart of the interior layout. If you are going to need a skipper then you can add 1050-1190 euro to the cost of the yacht to cover expenses for hiring a skipper.

Once I have decided on a yacht, what is the procedure for securing it for charter? When you have recieved an offer that you are satisfied with send an email letting us know that you would like to charter the yacht and send us your name and address so we could fill in the contract where you will find our bank details for payment via wire transfer or with credit card. I will request a contract which I will forward to you. Prepayment has to be done on booking (50% of total amount) and second payment has to be 40 days prior charter (unless the charter date is within in 40 days in which case the total payment will be due on booking). We’ll remind you when time for balance due comes. When we receive your total payment we will send you voucher with all necessary details for check in.

What other expenses can I expect for the bareboat/skippered charter? You will have to pay for fuel. If there is a lot of wind then you will most likely only use your engine for an hour or two just to get in and out of the harbor. If you have to do a lot of motoring then you could use and average of 3-4+ hours a day, but most islands you can get to in 2-4 hours. Dockage – most often you will stay at the government docks which are in the middle of the place/town. If the dockmaster comes around you will be charge a few euro for the night but the price isn’t fixed and the dockmaster doesn’t always come around so it’s hard to put an exact price on it. Water – there is a water truck that will come to the dock to service the yachts and the cost of filling the yacht with water varies but is normally about 5-10 euro to fill the tanks.

How do I set my itinerary for the bareboat/skippered cruise? The best thing to do is to come up with a plan, a list of islands that you would like to see so you have a general idea of what you would like to do. Once you arrive in Greece and board the yacht you should look at the weather conditions and plan your sail. If you set your itinerary before you arrive without taking into consideration the weather conditions you can end up sailing into the wind which is bumpy and can be uncomfortable and will take longer. If you hire a skipper, you will have a professional sailor who is also an expert on the Greek islands and can be your personal guide. If you leave it up to skipper he will most likely put together an itinerary that you won’t forget and will make for a great charter. It’s important to remember that the skipper’s main responsibility is the safety of the passengers and the yacht. You are the one who can ultimately make decisions on destination but the only time the captain can really override your decision (should you not agree) is if the destination you choose could put the yacht or passengers in danger. Otherwise, he is there to take you where you want to go. Discussing the options with the skipper and coming up with an itinerary together can lead to a more rewarding charter.

What do I need to bring with me? Remember that you are going to a warm climate so warm weather clothing, a windbreaker or light sweater and some rain gear(to keep you dry), but in most cases the weather will be warm enough so that the water that sprays on you will be a relief from the heat. Most of the yachts will have some kind of electrical outlet (220 volt) but hair dryers, irons etc use a lot of power and are probably best left at home. You are on a vessel that is powered by it’s own engine and batteries. It’s not attached to a huge power plant that produces hundreds of megawatts of power. You’re best leaving the electrical devices home and relaying on any electronics that you can power with it’s on batteries…

How much should I tip the skipper? The standard tip for the skipper is about 10% of his fees, but if you especially liked him feel free to tip more, he will appreciate it. What are the qualifications to skipper your chartered yacht? You are required to have a sailing certificate in order to charter a yacht, but if you have experience that also counts. This is a new requirement and nobody is quite sure exactly what you need to charter a yacht. The best bet is provide your personal experience and qualifications and we can check with the yacht owners to see if you meet their requirements.

When is the best time to sail in Greece? Everyone has their favorite times but if you’re on a motor sailing boat and want to swim in the day and hit the famous island nightlife then the best time is in July-August and even the first couple weeks of September when the islands are hopping and locations are crowded. In terms of going to Greece to enjoy the combination of good sailing, warm (but not too hot) weather then May-June and September-October.

The Argo-Saronic Islands is an archipelago in Greece, it has been named after the Saronic Gulf, where they are located. Inhabited islands of this group are Salamis, Aegina, Agistri, and Poros. The Argo-Saronic Islands is an archipelago in Greece, it has been named after the Saronic Gulf, where they are located. Inhabited islands of this group are Salamis, Aegina, Agistri, and Poros. Many Greeks that live on the mainland also have their holiday homes in the Saronic Islands, which can be reached by ferries from Piraeus and the Peloponnese. Salamis is the largest island of the group and this is where the ancient Greek navy defeated the Persians in the Battle of Salamis.

Athens

If you want to sail near Athens, then the Saronic Islands and the eastern coast of the Peloponnese will sure fulfill your wish for a safe trip in calm waters. Close to the Attica Prefecture (where Athens belongs) are some fantastic sailing itineraries available, which offer perfect sailing conditions, clean and calm sea, magnificent coasts and various islands that are just waiting to be explored.

Alimos

The marina of Alimos is one of the largest marinas in Greece. Only 15 km from the city center, 8 km south of Piraeus port (which is the main port for all boat departures to the Aegean islands, Cyclades and Dodecanese).

The Saronic Gulf is a very good protected sailing area, with winds that rarely exceed a force 2-4 B out of NW to N. Almost throughout the year the winds in the area have Northern direction. The weather is full of sunshine and warm with only some rainy days, during spring and autumn.

Dangers: MERMINGIA rocks, 4.5 miles SE of Alimos Marina in the direction to Cape Sounio and reef of AGHIOS COSMAS, SE of the entrance to Alimos Marina.

Kalamaki

Kalamaki is the ideal starting point to explore the beautiful Saronic Golf including the islands. The marina lies about 9 km from Athens town center and 30 minutes by taxi from the International airport. The marina is professionally organized and offers all kinds of facilities and services.

Many different services are available, such as restaurants, shops, cafes and bars, police office, fuel station, markets, laundry, showers and sanitary facilities.

Fresh water and 220V electricity is provided free of charge at each berth. Fuel is provided by tank-truck.Go stern or bows to – do not use anchors.

The Cyclades are an island group in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. They are one of the island groups which form the Aegean archipelago. The largest island of the Cyclades is Naxos. The name “Cyclades” emerges from the islands that form a circle (“circular islands”) around the sacred island of Delos. The majority of the smaller islands is uninhabited.The Cyclades are an island group in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. They are one of the island groups which form the Aegean archipelago. The largest island of the Cyclades is Naxos. The name “Cyclades” emerges from the islands that form a circle (“circular islands”) around the sacred island of Delos. The majority of the smaller islands is uninhabited.

Lavrion

Laurium or Lavrio is a small town, Southeast of Attica, about 60 km SE of Athens. Lavrion is rich in cultural heritage, that ranges from ancient to modern Greece. The port of Lavrion changes faster than any other town in Greece. There have been opened tavernas, cafes and it has become a very important point of connection for ferries for the Cyclades Islands and it is also home port for many cruise ships and sailboats.

Mykonos

One of the most important trading centers was the unsheltered rocky island of Mykonos, which lies in the western Aegean. The development of agriculture was very humble due to the droughty soil, but thanks to the beautiful beaches it became one of the most popular islands for vacation in the Aegean. The new port of the marina is growing and getting more and more popular. Gradually it´s becoming a small charter base and you can hire yachts for your sailing holiday. Mykonos is also the perfect starting point for visiting the neighbor island of Delos.

Paros

The port of Parikia is located at the west side of the island of Paros. When you approach the bay of Parikia you need to take care about a number of little islands, reefs and above-water rocks.

You need to berth stern-to or bows-to in the inner harbor and when the weather is calm you can berth outside of the mole. There are no mooring lines available in the marina, so please use your anchor!

The Dodecanese, which literally means “twelve islands”, are a group of 15 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the Southeast of the Aegean Sea. They belong to the Southern Sporades island group. The name “Dodecanese” describes an island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea, including 15 major islands (Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leipsoi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, and Tilos) and 93 smaller islets. Since ancient times these islands a group known as the “Southern Sporades”.The Dodecanese, which literally means “twelve islands”, are a group of 15 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the Southeast of the Aegean Sea. They belong to the Southern Sporades island group. The name “Dodecanese” describes an island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea, including 15 major islands (Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leipsoi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, and Tilos) and 93 smaller islets. Since ancient times these islands a group known as the “Southern Sporades”.

Kos

Perfect starting point to explore the Dodecanese Islands.

The Kos Marina lies in the beautiful island of Kos, in the heart of the Dodecanese islands.The Meltemi wind predominates from May to October in Kos Island. The wind blows from NW-W at a force of 4-6 (occasionaly it may reach 7) and sometimes it blows without a break for a couple of days. You can get a daily weather forecast at the Marina’s reception.

Special attention has to be paid to the Cape Ammoglossa – 1 mile North of the marina and opposite to Kos’ old harbour.

Rhodes

The largest of the Dodecanese islands at the Aegean Sea is Rhodes. It has been evaluated as one of the best sailing & cruising areas in Europe and it´s also among the top ten holiday destinations worldwide. Around 3.000.000 tourists visit the island per year.

Mooring: isn´t available everywhere

Beware of the rocks and shallow waters on the north side of the port. Also: you should drop as much chain as you have in your chain locker, to avoid that your boat’s anchor gets stuck to the heavy and big chain of the mooring lines. The water at this point is about 20 m deep and you will sure need a diver to free your anchor.

The climate around the Ionian islands is mild with hot and dry summers and mild winters with rain. This island group has an annual average of rainfalls even three times higher than any other Greek island. The weather is warm with average temperatures around 12°C to 30°C from April to October. During winter the temperatures rarely fall below zero. In summer the wind blows from NW at a force of 2-5. Sailors can enjoy the light breeze blowing from NE for 2-3 hours in early afternoon even on calmer days. In spring and autumn the wind blows less strong from SW.The climate around the islands is mild with hot and dry summers and mild winters with rain. This island group has an annual average of rainfalls even three times higher than any other Greek island. The weather is warm with average temperatures around 12°C to 30°C from April to October. During winter the temperatures rarely fall below zero. In summer the wind blows from NW at a force of 2-5. Sailors can enjoy the light breeze blowing from NE for 2-3 hours in early afternoon even on calmer days. In spring and autumn the wind blows less strong from SW.

Lefkas

Lefkas is one of the “Seven Islands” in Ionion. It lies off the west coast of Greeks mainland. It´s surrounded by many small rocky islands that are uninhabited and which are connected to the mainland by a 50 m bridge.

Attention has to be paid to the fact, that during the day the floating bridge of Lefkas is programmed to open hourly. Between 21.00h and 06.00h you need to call to open the bridge.

Preveza

Preveza is a traditional Greek town, it has lots of character and it`s very bubbly. The narrow streets offer a wide range of restaurants. The pedestrian promenade reveals a lot of cafés and evenings are very lively. The marina is suitable for alongside mooring, but a bit smelly in light winds, with loud bars in season.

Corfu

The Gouvia Marina is located in the beautiful island of Corfu. Here you can find motor and sailing yacht charters. The marina can be found in the gulf with the same name. This is the first marina that is privately owned and she´s famous for that. The Marina is completely organized, offers facilities and services with high standards and has also been awarded with the Blue Flag every year since 2007.

Off-shore anchoring in the marina area is not permitted, except for emergencies.

Due to the geographic position of the Ionian Islands it determines that routes are generally northerly or southerly.

Going South is easy because of the prevailing NW winds in summer and you can visit most of the islands or harbors with no problems.

The return to your base is also very easy as the strong NW winds do not last very long.

Argostoli

Argostoli is the main harbor of Kefalonia island and also a port of entry to Greece. It has been destroyed in 1953 by an earthquake, but has been re-built. Most yachts moor on the quay immediately S of the customs quay, where depths range from 2.5 metres at the S end to 3.0 metres at the N end. You can find excellent shelter from the prevailing winds but the quay is choppy in strong E winds. Alternatively you can berth your yacht on the E side in the uncompleted Argostoli marina.

The (Northern) Sporades in the Aegean Sea are an archipelago along the eastern coast of Greece, NE of the island of Euboea. Consisting of 24 islands from which four are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. “Sporades” means “those scattered” and was used from classical antiquity to refer to the Aegean island groups outside the central archipelago of the Cyclades.The (Northern) Sporades in the Aegean Sea are an archipelago along the eastern coast of Greece, NE of the island of Euboea. Consisting of 24 islands from which four are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. “Sporades” means “those scattered” and was used from classical antiquity to refer to the Aegean island groups outside the central archipelago of the Cyclades.

Skiathos

The Skiathos marina is located on the northern end of the island main port. The main street is only a few minutes walk from the quay. It offers cafe, restaurants, bars etc. The Skiathos Marina is situated at the center of the cosmopolitan island, covered with pines.

Pay attention to the ferries and hydrofoils. Do not anchor inside the airport zone. Vessels with a height over 4 m can´t anchor in the airplanes landing path.Mooring lines are available in the marina. Please do not use your anchor.

When you arrive to the harbor please moor stern-to on the northern part of the quay. Sometimes it´s difficult to find space, especially at weekends, when the charter fleet is back in base. The shelter and the holding are both good. We advise you to call ahead on VHF channel 77 (Skiathos marina) to ask for a berth.

The dominant winds in this area are mostly N-NE at Force 2-5, which usually ebb down during the night.

Prespa National Park – surface about 27.750 hectares, situated at the cross border of Albania, Greece and Macedonia. Surrounded by high mountains, home to numerous birds such as the White Pelican and the Dalmationa Pelican. E-mail: nationalparkprespa@gmail.com Phone: 00355 67 2044 123

Oeta National Park – covering about 7.000 hectares it´s the third largest national park in Greece. Mount Oeta is situated here with a height of 2.152 m.www.oiti.gr TEL-FAX.: (0030) 2231059007 E-mail: oiti@otenet.gr

Alonissos Marine Park – 13.700 kilometers of coastline; founded in 1992 as a marine park and one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling and maybe get a look at a few Mediterranean monk seals. Tel.: +30 24243-50201Fax: +30 24240-65207www.alonissos.gr

Samaria National Park – the gorge is 16 kilometres long and one of the longest in Europe. More than 450 plant species found their biotope here along with many endemic animals such as the kri kri goat. Ideal for hiking fans.www.samaria.gr Telephone: +30 2821045570 fax: +30 2821059777 e-mail: info@samaria.gr

Mount Parnassos National Park – Mount Parnassos is also know as a ski resort. It´s the first national park established in Greece in 1938. The park covers over 14.570 hectares between the site of Delphi and Arachova. A variety of outdoor activities is offered and it´s suitable for all ages and interests.en.parnassosnp.gr Tel/Fax: +30 22340 23529 E-Mail: info@parnassosnp.gr | fdparnas@yahoo.gr

Mount Olympus National Park – in 1938 the highest mountain in Greece was declared as a National Park. The park is situated on the border between Macedonia and Thessaly. The park spreads over about 500 km2. Mount Olympus is important not only ecological, archaeological but also historical. Tel.: 0030 23520 83000, Fax: 0030 23520 83974 e-mail: fedolymp@otenet.gr, info@olympusfd.grwww.olympusfd.gr

Pindos National Park – the park covers parts of Macedonia and Epirus. It covers an area of about 6.300 hectares with an altitude range between 1.076 and 2.177 metres. The second highest mountain – the Smolikas is situated in this park with a height of 2.637 m. Within dense forest you can find mountain lakes, springs and rivers. A small population of the Eurasian bear has found its habitat here. ?elephones: 26530 22245, 26530 22241, 26530 22283 E-mail: pindos.np@gmail.com , mail@pindosnationalpark.grwww.pindosnationalpark.gr

Parnitha National Park – situated 30 kilometers from Athens, covering an area of 3.812 hectares. Including the mountain of the same name, lakes, gorges and caves. Perfect spot for lovers of hiking, bird-watching and mountain biking. The diverse wildlife in this area, which is also a natural habitat for pine and fir trees, is astonishing.www.parnitha-np.gr Tel.: 0030 210 2434061-3 fax.: 0030 210 2434064 mail: daspar@otenet.gr

Zakynthos National Marine Park – founded in 1999 the park covers 13.500 hectares and it´s main purpose is to defend the fauna in this area. Here you can find the loggerhead sea turtle. During your exploration be sure not to disturb the natural habitats of the turtles.www.nmp-zak.org +302695029870 info@nmp-zak.org

Sounio National Park – founded in 1971 it covers about 4.000 hectares and is the smallest of Greek National Parks. The park is home to several plant species, and it also contains mines. Sounio National Park is ideal for a day trip from Athens. Tel: +30 22920 23100, +30 22920 24444

Ainos National Park – the only National Park situated on an Island – the island of Kefalonia. The park covers about 3.000 hectares and one single species of fir – the Abies Cephalonica, also called Greek fir, grows here. A few wild horses live here. Telephone & Fax: 2671029258 ?mail:foreasainou@ath.forthnet.gr ?mail:ainosnationalpark@gmail.comwww.foreasainou.gr